Speaking of Greater Things...

Speaking of Greater Things.
24x64"
Acrylic, Pastel, Collage and Pencil on Canvas.

The piece at two stages along the way with the final following below..the color is definitely more accurate on the first and last images.

This piece is somewhat about the idea of prayer...maybe introspection is a better word. Perhaps in the religious sense, perhaps not, but it's the idea of reflection; either reflecting on importance, honoring that which you have or have had, or in hopes of having it in the future. The objects depicted in the piece are bread, water, and beer (representative of luxury). On a basic level, it is these three objects that are being reflected upon, desired, or honored...on a self-reflective level, the objects are representative of the things in your life which are most important; The water and bread represent the things you need, the beer representative of that which you take pleasure in. Above the head of the man, you see twirling loops of smoke, symbolizing confusion or trouble in the reality of this person's world.

The real concept and specific meaning comes from the viewer, applying the symbolism to the unique paths of that have led them here. If they are religious, perhaps the piece takes on a thankful "moment-of-praise" spirituality. If the person is socially active, perhaps they apply it to the plight of the lower class. If a person is well-off, perhaps the piece symbolizes hard work and appreciating the things you have....the main idea is reflection...but just as your own moments of reflection and their purpose differ from those around you, the piece's specific meaning adopts the unique experience that informs your thinking and reaches a conclusion entirely dependent on the viewers perspective.